Canadian international Megan Pakulis rejoins York Valkyrie

Big news coming out of York for rugby league fans. A familiar face is heading back to the city, and it’s a signing that’s bound to get people talking. The York Valkyrie have announced that Canadian international Megan Pakulis is rejoining the team for the 2026 season, after a history-making stint playing professionally in Australia. This is a massive boost for the club, bringing a world-class talent back into the Betfred Women’s Super League. For anyone who follows the Valkyrie, this is the kind of announcement that signals serious intent for the upcoming season.

A grand final winner returns to York Valkyrie

For those who might not remember, Megan Pakulis made a huge impact during her first spell with the club back in 2024. Joining midway through the year, she quickly became a key part of the squad. Playing as a loose forward—a position that’s right in the thick of the action, making tackles and driving the team forward—she was a force to be reckoned with. She didn't just make up the numbers; she was a standout player in a team that went all the way. She was a crucial member of the squad that lifted the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final trophy that year. A pretty decent first impression, right?

And she chipped in with points, too. Over eleven appearances, she scored five tries, showing she’s got the skill to finish plays as well as the grit to start them. Her return isn't just about bringing back a good player; it’s about bringing back a proven winner who knows what it takes to get to the top of the game in England. This sort of experience is exactly what you want in the dressing room. The announcement, which came via club representatives like Kim Smith on Friday, 23rd January 2026, has already got fans excited about what the team can achieve this year.

Making history down under in the NRLW

So, where has she been? Well, she's been busy making history on the other side of the world. Last season, Pakulis played in Australia for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW. For anyone not in the know, the NRLW is Australia's top professional women's rugby league competition, and it's widely seen as the best on the planet. Just getting a contract there is a big deal.

But Megan Pakulis did more than that. By playing for the Titans, she became the first ever North American player to compete in the NRLW. That’s not just a small achievement; it’s a trailblazing moment for the sport. It shows the path is there for players from developing rugby league nations to reach the very top. She played four games in the top flight, gaining some incredible experience against the world's best. Now, she brings all that knowledge and skill back to York Valkyrie, which is a fantastic prospect for the team and its supporters. It’s the kind of international story that gets people talking on Facebook and Instagram.

What this means for the new season

Bringing a player of this calibre back is a clear statement of intent. And it couldn't have happened without the fantastic support of the Squad Builder fund, a brilliant initiative that allows fans to contribute directly to strengthening the team. It’s a real community effort. On her return, Pakulis herself sounds buzzing to be back. She said: "It feels special to be back with the Valkyrie."

She also had high praise for her teammates, which says a lot about the culture at the club. "This group of girls is incredibly talented and driven, and I’m proud to be part of the team again. I’m excited for what we can achieve together this season." When a player who has been at the top of the game describes a team as talented and driven, you know something special is brewing. The goal for the new season will surely be to build on past successes and achieve even more.

A true Canadian international star

It's worth remembering that Megan Pakulis isn't just a great club player; she is a seasoned Canadian international. She has earned 13 caps for her country, which means she has represented Canada in 13 official international matches. That's a huge honour and a sign of her consistent quality over many years. She’s not just representing York when she plays; she’s representing a whole nation of rugby league fans back home.

She has also performed on the biggest stage of all, having featured for Canada in both the 2017 and 2021 World Cups. Competing in a World Cup is the pinnacle for any athlete, and she’s done it twice. That kind of high-pressure experience is priceless. It means she won’t be fazed by the big moments in the Betfred Women’s Super League. She’s been there, done that, and has the international pedigree to prove it. This makes her return incredibly exciting for everyone involved with the club.

Building something special in Yorkshire

The signing of Megan Pakulis is another sign of the growing professionalism and ambition in women's sport, particularly right here in Yorkshire. Building a successful club is a lot like building a successful business. It requires vision, dedication, and the right people in charge. Think of an organisation like Yorkshire.com (International) Ltd. It has a specific company number, a registered office, and a director to guide its strategy. A sports club is no different. It needs a solid foundation to succeed and the ambition to aim high.

With players like Pakulis, a driven squad of talented girls, and the backing of the fans through initiatives like the Squad Builder, the future looks bright for York Valkyrie. The team has a winning mentality, and this latest signing only strengthens that. Fans will be eagerly watching to see what this team can achieve together in the upcoming season, hoping for another trip to the Grand Final. It's set to be an exciting year for rugby league in York.